5 of the West's best fireplaces

Published 1:10 pm, Friday, January 24, 2014

The Ahwahnee Hotel in Yosemite houses giant stone fireplaces that are among the best for relaxing with a cup of hot chocolate.

The Ahwahnee Hotel in Yosemite houses giant stone fireplaces that are among the best for relaxing with a cup of hot chocolate.

Photo: Peter DaSilva, NYT

5 of the West's best fireplaces

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The fact that winter in the West has been the driest and warmest in decades shouldn't deter us from the seasonal joy of warming up by a roaring fireplace. Who says you need polar vortex conditions to really enjoy a happy hearth? Here are five hot spots where sitting by the fire can be taken to a whole new level.

Sometimes the best part of travel is that hour or two after a full day of touring and activities, where you take in the day and put your feet up. There are few better places for it than by the enormous fireplaces at the Ahwahnee Hotel in Yosemite National Park. Make sure to get a cup of their famous hot cocoa. Whether you stay in the hotel or at other lodging options in the park, the Great Lounge is worth a visit. Rates as low as $300 in the winter, average at $400. 1 Ahwahnee Drive, (209) 372-1407. www.yosemitepark.com/Ahwahnee.

2. Snowmass Base Village Plaza, Snowmass Village, Colo.

Who says you have to be indoors to enjoy a fireplace? After skiing and other snow activities, the outdoor fireplace at the bottom of the slopes in the Snowmass Base Village Plaza is the place to stretch out your legs and enjoy the view of the surrounding mountains. Find it near the Base Camp Restaurant at 73 Wood Road, (970) 923-6000. www.destinationsnowmass.com/aspen-colorado-resorts.php.

3. Jupiter, Berkeley

Have drinks by the outdoor fireplace at this bar. They serve their own handcrafted and local beers and delicious wood-fired pizzas. Enjoy live music several nights a week in the two-level beer garden with a central fire pit. Check out the website for the schedule of performances. 2181 Shattuck Ave., (510) 843-8277, www.jupiterbeer.com.

4. Shutters on the Beach, Santa Monica

Even Southern California gets chilly in the winter. Stay warm indoors on the comfortable couches by the large fireplaces in this rustic hotel's lobby and enjoy shore views without the sea breezes - a great way to do the beach in cold weather. The hotel, which looks like an oversize beach house, can be pricey (starting at $483 a night), but you don't need to stay to soak up atmosphere and drinks by the fireplace. 1 Pico Blvd., (310) 458-0030, www.shuttersonthebeach.com.

5. The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Dove Mountain, Marana, Ariz.

What is more relaxing than sitting by the fire? Being pampered by the fire. Enjoy massages, facials and other treatments, and soak peacefully in an outdoor Jacuzzi complete with its own accompanying fireplace at this renowned spa near Tucson. Treatment prices range from $30 to $245. With Valentine's Day coming up, check out the couples packages too. 15000 North Secret Springs Drive, (520) 572-3030, www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/DoveMountain/Spa.

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